KNEE
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Running-related knee pain is often associated with training errors, sudden increases in running volume, strength deficits, recovery factors, and movement inefficiencies. A comprehensive assessment can help identify contributing factors and guide an individualised rehabilitation and return-to-running plan.
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Successful surgery is only one part of the recovery process. Whether you've undergone ACL reconstruction, meniscus surgery, cartilage procedures, knee stabilisation surgery, or joint replacement, rehabilitation plays a vital role in restoring strength, movement, confidence, and return-to-sport capacity. Research consistently demonstrates that structured rehabilitation programs improve long-term outcomes following knee surgery (Ardern et al., 2016).
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Knee bursitis occurs when one of the small fluid-filled bursae around the knee becomes irritated or inflamed. Symptoms may include swelling, tenderness, warmth, and discomfort during kneeling or activity. Management commonly involves reducing irritation, improving movement, and gradually restoring function.
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A Baker's cyst is a fluid-filled swelling that develops behind the knee and is often associated with underlying knee conditions such as osteoarthritis, meniscus injuries, or joint irritation. Symptoms may include tightness, swelling, and discomfort during knee bending. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause rather than the cyst itself.
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Patellar tendinopathy is an overuse injury affecting the tendon below the kneecap and is particularly common in jumping and running sports. Symptoms often develop gradually and may worsen during training, jumping, sprinting, or change-of-direction activities. Progressive loading and strengthening programs are considered the gold standard treatment for tendon rehabilitation (Malliaras et al., 2015).
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The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) is located on the outside of the knee and helps provide stability during side-to-side movements. LCL injuries are less common than MCL injuries but can occur following sporting collisions, twisting injuries, or trauma. Rehabilitation typically focuses on restoring stability, strength, and movement control.
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The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is located on the inside of the knee and is commonly injured during contact sports, awkward landings, or twisting injuries. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, tenderness, and instability along the inner knee. Most MCL injuries respond well to progressive rehabilitation focused on restoring strength, stability, and confidence.
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Patellofemoral pain syndrome is one of the most common causes of knee pain in active individuals. Symptoms are typically felt around or behind the kneecap and may worsen with running, squatting, stairs, jumping, or prolonged sitting. Research supports exercise therapy, particularly strengthening of the quadriceps and hip muscles, as one of the most effective treatment approaches (Crossley et al., 2016).
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Stay active, build strength, and manage knee pain with evidence-based treatment strategies designed to improve mobility, function, and quality of life. Research consistently supports exercise therapy and strength training as first-line treatments for improving pain and function in individuals with knee conditions, including osteoarthritis (Bannuru et al., 2019).
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Osgood-Schlatter Disease is a common growth-related condition affecting adolescents during periods of rapid growth. Symptoms occur where the patellar tendon attaches to the shin bone and are often aggravated by running, jumping, and sporting activities. Management focuses on activity modification, strength development, and gradual return to sport.
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Quadriceps tendinopathy affects the tendon connecting the quadriceps muscles to the top of the kneecap. It commonly develops due to repetitive jumping, sprinting, strength training, or sudden increases in training load. Management typically involves load modification and progressive strengthening to improve tendon capacity and function.
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Iliotibial band syndrome is a common cause of pain on the outside of the knee, particularly in runners, cyclists, and endurance athletes. Symptoms often occur during repetitive activities and may worsen with increased training volume. Rehabilitation commonly focuses on improving hip strength, running mechanics, load management, and lower limb control (Friede et al., 2020).
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The menisci are cartilage structures within the knee that help absorb force and improve joint stability. Meniscus injuries may occur following twisting movements, sporting injuries, or age-related degeneration. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, locking, clicking, or reduced knee movement. Management often focuses on restoring strength, movement, and function while reducing symptoms.
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Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries commonly occur during sports involving cutting, pivoting, jumping, and rapid changes of direction such as AFL, soccer, basketball, and netball. Symptoms often include a popping sensation, swelling, instability, and difficulty returning to sport. Rehabilitation plays a critical role whether managed conservatively or following ACL reconstruction surgery, with research supporting criterion-based rehabilitation to improve return-to-sport outcomes and reduce reinjury risk (Ardern et al., 2016).
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Knee pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints affecting people of all ages and activity levels. Symptoms may develop due to sporting injuries, training errors, reduced strength, joint irritation, tendon injuries, or age-related changes. Research suggests that knee pain is often influenced by a combination of physical, biomechanical, and lifestyle factors, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive assessment and individualised rehabilitation program (Crossley et al., 2016).
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Calf strains commonly occur during running, sprinting, football, and court sports. Symptoms often include sudden pain, tightness, and difficulty pushing off during walking or running. Rehabilitation focuses on restoring calf strength, power, and tissue capacity before returning to sport.